Lifeline funding for foodbank welcomed by councillors

Councillors have welcomed lifeline support for troubled Perth and Kinross Foodbank.

The busy charity received £10,000 from the local authority after a plea for financial assistance.

The grant – along with a reduction in rent and contributions from local businesses – has helped secure the service’s future.

Lib Dem councillor Peter Barrett, convener of the council’s housing and communities committee, said: “Perth and Kinross Foodbank does tremendous work and I am very pleased that we have been able to respond positively to help put the organisation on a sustainable financial footing.

“The support we are providing will also trigger other savings in their costs.

“The roll-out of Universal Credit will increase demand for the support provided by the foodbank, and we are committed to supporting a partnership with them to tackle poverty and inequalities in our area.”

In an effort to support the charity, which distributed more than 3,400 three-day food packages to people in crisis last year, collection points have also been introduced at local libraries.

Depute provost Willie Wilson added: “Foodbank volunteers and staff do fantastic work to help people in need in this area.

“I would urge everyone who can to contribute to the work of the foodbank by taking part in local collections. This is now easier than ever with collection points in all Perth and Kinross libraries.”

Charity workers appealed for aid from the council last year. They said they faced a loss of between £6,000 and £8,000.

The group’s rent for the Cutlog Vennel base has been cut from £14,000 to £12,000.